So many of the area hikes orient from the official trailhead for Alamo Canyon (T104)... and here is yet another.

Private property crowds in and around the mouth of Alamo canyon, yet if you make your way over across the wash ( to the south of the trailhead) you will be surprised to find an old road heading along the base of the mountains. This roadway crosses BLM land for miles, interconnecting with a variety of other old jeep routes, spanning south down to the community of Oro Vista.

The main road follows a powerline feed, making it obvious, but the other offshoots provide interesting routes, especially for running or mountain biking. There are a variety of connections back and around to community streets, but the nicer aspect is to stay closer to the mountains and away from the developments.

The BLM has been trying to get control of this maze of routes, erecting a variety of metal barricades to limit ATV use. Their efforts to date or only partially successful. They have signed a number of areas as public routes, and other areas across private property as public access routes. The roads are not maintained... and can be very rough and eroded.

Respect the private property sections. Enjoy the range of BLM public lands.

This section of jeep trails provide nice access directly from Alamogordo to Black Canyon, Mule Canyon and the connecting ridges below the Steamboat and Lady formations. Once you figure out they are there, and how to connect to them, they provide a very pleasant compliment to the more difficult area hikes and bikes.

This represents the practical southern extension for hikes immediately available from Alamogordo... they are worth checking out! Hit Black Canyon while you're out there... You will not be sorry!

When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

Permit $$

None

Directions

Map Drive

or

Road

Paved - Car Okay

To hikeFrom the main drag in Alamogordo (White Sands Blvd) travel east on either 1st or 10th, to Scenic Drive. Turn right (south) on Scenic and follow it to the far south end. Drive left around the city water tank on to Alamo Canyon Rd... and follow it to the end, parking adjacent to the city water works.